Of course! Here is a lengthy, step-by-step guide to help you fix the "Vanguard is out of compliance" error on Windows 11.
How to Fix the 'Vanguard Out of Compliance' Error on Windows 11
Hello, Valorant players! Are you getting the frustrating "This build of Vanguard is out of compliance" error when you try to launch your game? It can be incredibly annoying, stopping you dead in your tracks from joining a match. But don't worry, you're not alone, and this issue is very common on Windows 11. The good news? It's almost always fixable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, to get you back in the game.
Let's start by understanding why this happens. Windows 11 has strict security requirements, including the need for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Riot Vanguard, the anti-cheat system for Valorant, needs these features enabled to function correctly and ensure a secure gaming environment. When you see this error, it's a clear signal that one or both of these critical security features are disabled on your PC.
Ready to dive in and get this sorted? Let's begin!
Step 1: Check Your System's Compliance Status
Before you start changing settings, let's confirm what's causing the problem. This is a quick and easy check.
Engage with your keyboard! Press the Windows key + R at the same time to open the 'Run' dialog box.
In the box, type
msinfo32and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.In the System Summary, look for two key entries:
BIOS Mode: It should say UEFI. If it says Legacy or CSM, that's a red flag.
Secure Boot State: It should say On. If it says Off or Unsupported, that's the main culprit.
While you're here, you can also check for TPM. Look for "Security Device Support" or "TPM 2.0". It should be enabled.
If your BIOS Mode is UEFI and Secure Boot State is On, but you're still seeing the error, don't worry. We'll cover other potential fixes later. But for most of you, the solution lies in enabling these features.
Step 2: Enter Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
This is where you'll make the necessary changes. Getting into your BIOS/UEFI can be a bit tricky, as the key to press depends on your motherboard manufacturer.
Restart your PC.
As your PC boots up, you need to repeatedly press a specific key to enter the BIOS/UEFI. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Delete. The key is often displayed on your screen during the initial boot process, so keep an eye out!
For ASUS motherboards, it's often F2 or Delete.
For Gigabyte, it's usually Delete.
For MSI, it's Delete.
For Dell or HP, it's often F2 or F10.
If you miss it the first time, just restart and try again. Don't rush!
Step 3: Enable Secure Boot and UEFI
Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI, the interface can look different depending on your motherboard. Look for a section related to Boot, Security, or Advanced Settings.
Sub-heading: First, Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
Before you can enable Secure Boot, you often need to disable CSM. This is because CSM allows the system to boot in a legacy mode, which is incompatible with Secure Boot and UEFI.
Navigate to the Boot or Boot Options section.
Find the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) setting.
Disable it. This is a crucial step!
Sub-heading: Next, Enable Secure Boot
Now that CSM is disabled, the Secure Boot option should be visible and accessible.
Go to the Security or Boot menu.
Look for Secure Boot.
Change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.
You might need to do a little trick here for some motherboards. If it's already "Enabled" but shows as "Not Active," you may need to switch the Secure Boot Mode from "Standard" to "Custom," and then immediately switch it back to "Standard." This often prompts you to restore factory defaults for the Secure Boot keys, which is exactly what you want to do.
Sub-heading: Finally, Ensure UEFI Mode is Selected
This setting is often found in the same Boot menu.
Look for Boot Mode or a similar option.
Make sure it is set to UEFI. If it was set to "Legacy," changing it to UEFI is a must.
Step 4: Enable TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
This is another key requirement for Windows 11 and Vanguard.
In your BIOS, look for a section called Security, Advanced, or Trusted Computing.
Find the setting for TPM or Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT) for Intel CPUs, or AMD fTPM for AMD CPUs.
Enable this setting.
Make sure it is set to TPM 2.0 if you have the option to select a version.
Step 5: Save Changes and Exit BIOS
You're almost there!
Navigate to the Exit or Save & Exit section of your BIOS/UEFI menu.
Choose Save Changes and Exit.
Confirm the changes when prompted.
Your computer will now restart.
Step 6: Verify and Relaunch Valorant
After your PC reboots, it's time to check if everything is in order and launch the game.
Go back to the System Information window (press Windows key + R and type
msinfo32).Confirm that your BIOS Mode is now UEFI and Secure Boot State is On.
Now, try to launch Valorant. The Vanguard error should be gone, and you should be able to get back to playing.
If the error persists, consider running the game client as an administrator and checking for any pending Windows updates.
Step 7: Additional Troubleshooting and Solutions
If the above steps didn't work for you, don't lose hope. Here are a few more things to try.
Sub-heading: Update Windows and Vanguard
An outdated Windows OS or Vanguard client can sometimes cause this issue.
Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates." Install any available updates.
Update Vanguard/Valorant: Launch the Riot Client. It should automatically check for updates. If not, go to the game settings within the client and look for a repair or update option.
Sub-heading: Run Valorant in Compatibility Mode
This can sometimes resolve conflicts.
Right-click on the Valorant shortcut on your desktop.
Go to Properties.
Click on the Compatibility tab.
Check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select a previous Windows version like Windows 8.
Click Apply and then OK.
Sub-heading: Reinstall Vanguard and Valorant
If all else fails, a fresh installation can often fix corrupt files.
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Find Riot Vanguard and Valorant in the list.
Uninstall both.
Restart your computer. This is an important step to clear all residual files.
Re-download and reinstall Valorant from the official Riot Games website.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my PC has TPM 2.0?
Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. A window will appear showing your TPM status. If it says "The TPM is ready for use," you're good to go.
How to enter BIOS on my motherboard?
The key is manufacturer-dependent. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, or Delete. Watch your screen as you boot up, as the key is often displayed.
How to change my disk partition from MBR to GPT?
You can use a built-in Windows command-line tool called mbr2gpt. Please be cautious and back up your data before attempting this, as it can be risky. You need to open Command Prompt as an administrator and use the mbr2gpt /validate and mbr2gpt /convert commands.
How to update my BIOS?
You need to visit your motherboard manufacturer's website, find your specific motherboard model, and download the latest BIOS firmware. The manufacturer will provide instructions on how to update it, usually by putting the file on a USB drive and flashing it from within the BIOS.
How to turn off Compatibility Support Module (CSM)?
In your BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the Boot or Boot Options menu and find the CSM setting. Change it from "Enabled" to "Disabled."
How to check my BIOS Mode?
Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System Summary, you can see your "BIOS Mode" listed as either UEFI or Legacy.
How to find out my motherboard model?
Press Windows key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Look for "BaseBoard Manufacturer" and "BaseBoard Product" in the System Summary.
How to fix the 'Secure Boot is not active' issue?
If Secure Boot is enabled but not active, go into your BIOS, change the Secure Boot Mode from Standard to Custom, then immediately back to Standard. This often triggers a prompt to reset the keys, which will make it active.
How to update my graphics card drivers?
Go to the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific card. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
How to repair Valorant game files?
Open the Riot client, go to the Valorant section, and look for a settings or gear icon. You should find a "Repair" or "Force Repair" option there to check for and fix any corrupt game files.
